Over $300,000 Raised During Jay It Forward Giving Day 2026 | Elmhurst University
be_ixf; php_sdk; php_sdk_1.4.9
15 ms
iy_2026; im_04; id_24; ih_02; imh_33; i_epoch:1.77702318131E+12
ixf-compiler; ixf-compiler_1.0.0.0
py_2025; pm_10; pd_30; ph_08; pmh_59; p_epoch:1.76183999424E+12
link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr
pn_tstr:Thu Oct 30 08:59:54 PST 2025; pn_epoch:1.76183999424E+12
0 ms
News
Over $300,000 Raised During Jay It Forward Giving Day 2026
Over $300,000 Raised During Jay It Forward Giving Day 2026
April 23, 2026 | by the Office of Marketing and Communications
More than 500 Elmhurst University alumni, friends and members of the campus community celebrated Jay It Forward Giving Day 2026 by surpassing its $300,000 fundraising goal in support of programs and initiatives that benefit students.
Proceeds from the 24-hour fundraiser, which took place from noon until noon on April 9-10, totaled $313,137. The philanthropic gifts enable the University to invest in areas that enhance the student experience, empowering students to excel throughout their academic journey and the career and life experiences that will follow.
The main areas of support included:
The Annual Fund
, which contributes directly to areas of greatest need, including student scholarships, operational and program costs and other University needs. This year, $61,317 was raised, an increase of 13 percent over last year.
The Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy
(ELSA), a post-secondary certificate program for young adults with differing abilities that provides students with a college experience as they build lifelong learning skills. As ELSA celebrates its 20th anniversary this academic year, 42 donors—more than double the 20-donor goal—raised $10,096 that will support scholarships, digital learning tools, textbooks and other resources.
Elmhurst University Athletics
, which helps ensure that student-athletes across the University’s 21 Division III teams have the training, transportation, facility enhancements, equipment and other items they need to be high-achieving students and confident athletes. Responding to a challenge from trustees
Mike Wagner ’87
and
Raj Khanna,
Bluejay Athletics raised $83,365 from 362 donors.
Choose Your Way to Jay It Forward
, which supports University programs of the donor’s choosing, and that defined their Elmhurst experience. Donors gave to the Bluejay Nest Fund (student emergency fund), the Honors Program, the Mill Theatre, the Mock Trial program, and academic areas including music, chemistry, urban studies and more. This campaign raised $158,359, an increase of nearly 70 percent over last year.
An Early Bird Challenge from trustees
Gina Prochaska ’88
and
Joan Vilim
was met the night before Giving Day started.
“Jay It Forward Giving Day demonstrates the strength of the Elmhurst University community and our shared commitment to advancing the University’s future,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Lia Kampman
. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this year a tremendous success.”
To support Elmhurst University with a philanthropic gift, visit
elmhurst.edu/Give
or call the Office of Institutional Advancement at (630) 617-3600.
Share via:
Connect with #elmhurstu